Mine seems to balance nicely for travel with the dipperstick vertical and that seems right looking at the boom to minimize bounce stresses.  Travelling with the dipperstick out will rock the hoe on bumps.  Bucket curled partway (teeth parallel to the ground) for max ground clearance without putting the bucket cylinder too close to the ground.  Keep the main boom low but without danger of dragging the bucket.  Watch for powerlines and clearance problems.  Tunes up, door open, clean windows, and check behind every now and then for leaks.  Yes it's old.